Take your medication: This is the most important thing to remember. Even if you do not have symptoms, even if you are not wheezing or coughing, you should still use your inhalers or other meds just like the doctor told you to.

Know your "triggers" : Anything that leads to wheezing, coughing or trouble breathing is called a "trigger". It is important to know your triggers so you can avoid them. Dust is a common trigger. Dusting frequently and cleaning the house reduces dust.

Exercise: You can and should exercise even if you have asthma. Talk to your doctor about any problems you have before or after exercise. Remember, plenty of Olympic athletes have asthma. Stay active. Think of alternatives. For instance, in the spring, when the pollen count is high, exercise indoors.

Asthma in Children

Asthma is the most common chronic condition in children.

Nearly 3 million office visits are due to asthma each year in the United States. Asthma results in 200,000 hospitalizations each year. Asthma in children is often triggered by allergies or colds.

Parents are vital to good asthma care in children. It is not enough to recognize the symptoms of asthma and to administer treatment.

If you have a child with asthma, good care means teaching the child how to take care of him or herself. Children need to recognize the symptoms of asthma and to learn how to use the inhaler and peak flow meter properly.

They need to learn when to get help.